Developing Industrial Biogas in South Africa- Status of the Waste to Energy Biogas Project

Day: Sunday, 4th of October

Time: 11:30 – 13:00

Room:Ballroom West

There is general agreement that biogas can significantly contribute to the energy mix of South Africa and Africa. However, this technology has remained underdeveloped in spite of most countries in Africa facing challenges with waste management, and energy access and security. With agro-processing industries bound to increase across the continent, there will be increased volumes of organic waste that could be used as feedstock in biogas plants. This side event will showcase the potential for biogas as a viable energy resource in the South African context. It will consist of keynote presentations from different stakeholders on the development of biogas in South Africa and also highlight the UNIDO/GEF Waste to Energy Biogas Project in South Africa. This project seeks to promote market-based adoption of integrated biogas technology within the SMMEs sector. Barriers to the adoption of biogas as a viable energy option related to policy and regulation, technology, institutional capacity and financing will be discussed in detail. The session will also highlight selected ongoing projects and programmes on biogas in South Africa.

Organisers: UNIDO

Detailed Programme:

Opening

10:00 Welcome and introductions – Tlou Ramaru, DEA

10:05 Keynote statement – Pradeep Monga, UNIDO

Key Presentations

10:15 State of Biogas Industry in South Africa: Resources, Barriers and Opportunities – Mark Tiepelt, SABIA

10:25 Priorities from Environmental Issues and support from the Green Fund – Tlou Ramaru, DEA